OpenAI just dropped a game-changing update for GPT-4o, and the internet is already obsessed. The latest upgrade introduces native image generation, meaning you can now create visuals—think infographics, memes, UI designs, and even comic strips—just by describing them.
But what’s really sending social media into a frenzy? A new ability to transform photos into dreamy, hand-drawn Studio Ghibli-style artwork.
The internet can’t get enough of Ghibli-fied pics
With GPT-4o’s new trick, users can now upload any image and turn it into a Ghibli-inspired masterpiece. The AI mimics the studio’s signature soft colors, painterly textures, and whimsical charm, making even everyday photos look like something straight out of Spirited Away or My Neighbor Totoro.
There’s a very simple prompt to do this. Just upload an image, and type, “Create a Studio Ghibli Version of this image” and you’re good to go.
Social media has exploded with people transforming their selfies, pets, and vacation snaps into nostalgic, anime-style scenes. Ghibli’s aesthetic has always had a cult following, so it’s no surprise that this feature has instantly gone viral.
Even Sam Altman got Ghibli-fied
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman couldn’t resist the trend either. He swapped his profile picture on X (formerly Twitter) for a Ghibli-style portrait and shared a self-aware joke about how, after years of working on AI advancements, this is what gets people excited. His post sums up the moment perfectly—AI might be revolutionizing the world, but sometimes, all people really want is to see themselves in anime form.
What’s Special About GPT-4o’s Image Generation?
Unlike previous models that needed DALL-E for image creation, GPT-4o does it all natively within ChatGPT. This makes the process smoother, faster, and more interactive—you can tweak, refine, or completely transform images just by chatting with the AI. Users can also specify details like aspect ratios, colors, and even transparent backgrounds, making it a versatile tool for creatives.
While DALL-E is still available, this new feature is proof that OpenAI is pushing for more seamless and intuitive AI creativity. And if the internet’s reaction is anything to go by, we’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible.
Image Courtesy: OpenAI & Studio Ghibli
